The government’s initiative to provide Varanasi’s potters with motor-run wheels is being lauded by the artisans who now have better technology to meet the surge in demand for earthen lamps in the Diwali festival. Potters claim their production has doubled since they switched to using bijli wali chaak.

Celebrated every year in the sacred city of Varanasi, this festival marks Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasur and is celebrated after 15 days of Diwali. It is also known as Tripurotsav and is observed on the day of Kartik Purnima.

A potter family in Srinagar makes diyas to be used during Diwali. The ‘diyas’ are in great demand and are a shining example of inter-faith harmony in the valley.

From having to depend on their brothers and husbands for the expenses incurred in enjoying festivities, about 9,000 women in the rural areas of Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki district are now not only able to relish the festivities on their own expense but are also able to contribute to the household incomes.

While Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, Sohrai Porab celebrates the return of the cattle to their village. Villagers in Jharkhand worship the cows by decorating them, lighting lamps, singing songs and offering pujas.

Nothing takes one back to one’s childhood than a festival. Chhath Puja brings back memories of mothers, grandmothers, aunts and cousins bustling around preparing for the pujas, cooking and spreading joy and that special buzz.

Present-day festivities are limited by the modern urban life experiences whereas traditionally, festivals in India took an individual to the community and were varied and numerous in their modes of celebrations spread over a fortnight

Open up your hearts to regional cuisine, use Diwali as an occasion to learn more about traditional recipes and try making few in your kitchens